Taylor Wimpey submits revised plans for Whittingham Hospital
The developer appointed by English Partnerships to bring 147 acres of grounds and buildings at Whittingham Hospital, near Preston back into use have submitted an amended planning application.
The new planning application increases the overall number of homes to 650 in order to raise the number of affordable homes from 50 to 72 and to preserve more of the St Luke's building, which will be converted into apartments.
The plans were revised following community consultation and include a greater number of 'affordable' housing units, recreational facilities and preservation of more heritage buildings.
Taylor Wimpey was appointed by English Partnerships in March 2007. It plans new eco-friendly homes, employment space, a site for a new primary school and community/recreation facilities.
The new planning application also proposes a centrally located and accessible sports and leisure facilities, including a multi-sports area for young people.
Paul Spooner, English Partnerships' regional director for the North West and West Midlands, said: "The public consultation showed that local people wanted to see more leisure facilities for young people and more affordable housing, so the plans have been amended to reflect their wishes."
Bob Pickthall, divisional managing director of Taylor Wimpey, said: "Local people responded very positively to our proposals to regenerate the Whittingham Hospital site and provide high-quality and eco-friendly new homes. We will continue to work with English Partnerships and Preston City Council to secure planning permission and move towards providing a sustainable community where people will be proud to live."
The Whittingham Hospital site, situated on the edge of Goosnargh village, is one of the largest in English Partnerships' Hospital Sites Programme, which aims to transform 96 former NHS sites in England into sustainable communities where people can afford to live and want to live.
It is expected that Preston City Council will consider the planning application at the end of 2007 or early in 2008.
